Method and thermally active multi-phase heat transfer apparatus and method for abstracting heat using liquid bi-phase heat exchanging composition

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for abstracting heat comprises a container charged with a first liquid and with small auxiliary containers free to circulate in the first liquid. Each of the small auxiliary containers is charged with a second liquid. The first and second liquids each have a selected temperature of transformation that facilitates use of the apparatus to heat or cool a substance contacted by the apparatus.

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/751,061 filed Jan. 2,2004; Ser. No. 10/463,055 filed Jun. 17, 2003; Ser. No. 10/274,161 filedOct. 18, 2002; and Ser. No. 09/776,486 filed Feb. 2, 2001.

This invention pertains to apparatus and methods for abstracting heatfrom a substance.

More particularly, the invention pertains to an improved apparatus andmethod which utilizes a matrix comprised of liquids and solids toabstract, over an extended period of time, heat from a substance.

In a further respect, the invention pertains to an improved apparatus ofthe type described which utilizes a plurality of heat transfer elementshaving three dimensional parity.

In another respect, the invention pertains to an improved heatabstracting apparatus of the type described which convects heat alongpaths intermediate spaced apart heat transfer elements.

In still a further respect, the invention pertains to an improvedapparatus and method of the type described in which heat transferelements are shaped to absorb heat along vertical and lateral paths.

In still another respect, the invention pertains to an improvedsimplified method of manufacturing a heat transfer device.

In yet a further respect, the invention pertains to an improved heatabstracting apparatus of the type described which provides efficienttransfer using a single heat transfer element—liquid interface.

So called “cold packs” are well known and typically, for example,comprise pliable, hollow, vinyl containers filled with a gelatin. Inuse, the cold pack is frozen and is placed against an individual's neckor other part of the individual's body to cool the individual. One suchconventional cold pack is marketed under the trademark “THERAPAC” andcomprises a twelve inch-by-twelve inch two ply vinyl container filledwith a white odorless insoluble gelatin. Another conventional cold packis marketed under the trademark “COLPAC” and comprises a twelveinch-by-twelve inch single ply polymer container filled with a grayodorless soluble gelatin. Such conventional cold packs are widelydisseminated and effectively absorb heat. One principal disadvantage ofsuch cold packs is that they have a relatively short-lived ability tostay cold. For example, when the THERAPAC and COLPAC cold packs notedabove are removed from a freezer, the temperature on the outer surfaceof the cold pack can be five degrees F. After about an hour, thetemperature can be about forty-five to fifty degrees F. After about twohours, the temperature on the outer surface of the cold packs can beabout fifty-two to fifty-eight degrees F. After about three hours, thetemperature can be about sixty-five to seventy degrees F. Consequently,after only an hour the temperature of the outer surface of each of thecold packs is well above freezing.

Accordingly, it would be highly desirable to provide an improved coldpack which would, after being exposed to ambient temperature, maintain alow temperature for an extended period of time.

Therefore, it is a principal object of the invention to provide animproved apparatus for abstracting heat from a solid, liquid, gas orother substance.

A further object of the instant invention is to provide an improved coldpack which will maintain a cold temperature for an extended period oftime after being exposed to a temperature greater than that of the coldpack.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved method formanufacturing a cold pack.

Still a further object of the invention is to provide a heat transferdevice that facilitates conforming the device to the contour of thebody.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved heattransfer device with a module matrix that facilitates folding the deviceand partitioning the device.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide an improved heattransfer device with a module matrix that facilitates pressureequalization and convection and the uniform transfer of heat.

These and other, further and more specific objects and advantages of theinvention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from thefollowing detailed description thereof, taken in conjunction with thedrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an elevation view illustrating a heat transfer deviceconstructed in accordance with the principles of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an elevation view illustrating an alternate embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 3 is an elevation view illustrating yet another embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 4 is a side section elevation view illustrating still a furtherembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a side section elevation view illustrating still anotherembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of the invention ofFIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating yet a further embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 8 is a top view illustrating yet another embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 9 is a top view illustrating still a further embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 10A is a front section view view illustrating the first step in amethod for making a pan member used in the invention;

FIG. 10B is a front section view illustrating the second step in amethod for making a pan member used in the invention;

FIG. 10C is a front section view illustrating the administration offluid to the pan member of FIG. 10B;

FIG. 10D is a front section view illustrating the incorporation andsealing of a module matrix into the pan member—fluid system of FIG. 10C;

FIG. 11A is a front section view illustrating the first step inproducing a module matrix used in the invention;

FIG. 11B is a front section view illustrating the second step inproducing a module matrix used in the invention;

FIG. 11C is a front section view illustrating charging a module matrixwith fluid;

FIG. 12 is a top view illustrating still another embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 13 is a side section view of the apparatus of FIG. 12 andillustrating additional construction features thereof;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating an alternate embodiment ofthe heat transfer device of the invention;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating the mode of operation of theheat transfer device of the invention;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating a further embodiment of theheat transfer device of the invention; and,

FIG. 17 is a side partial section view of a heat transfer device of theinvention illustrating the multi-phase heat transfer mechanism of theinvention.

Briefly, in accordance with the invention, I provide an improved heattransfer device for use in contacting and drawing heat away from asubstance. The heat transfer device includes a hollow primary containerincluding a wall, and a first liquid housed in the container; and,includes at least one hollow auxiliary container in the first liquid andincluding a wall, and a second liquid housed in the auxiliary container.The second liquid has a freezing point less than the freezing point ofthe first liquid.

In another embodiment of the invention, I provide an improved method forcooling a substance. The method includes the steps of providing a heattransfer device. The heat transfer device includes a hollow primarycontainer including a wall, and a first liquid housed in the container.The primary container also includes at least one hollow auxiliarycontainer in the first liquid. The auxiliary container includes a wall,and a second liquid housed in the auxiliary container. The second liquidhas a freezing point less than the freezing point of the first liquid.The method also includes the steps of cooling the heat transfer deviceto freeze the second liquid; and, contacting the substance with the heattransfer device.

In a further embodiment of the invention, I provide an improved methodfor cooling a substance. The method includes the step of providing aheat transfer device. The heat transfer device includes a hollow primarycontainer. The primary container includes a wall, and a first liquidhoused in the container. The primary container also includes at leastone hollow auxiliary container in the first liquid. The hollow auxiliarycontainer includes a wall, and a second liquid housed in the wall of theauxiliary container. The second liquid has a freezing point less thanthe freezing point of the first liquid. The method also includes thesteps of cooling the heat transfer device to freeze the second liquid;and, contacting the substance with the heat transfer device such thatheat is abstracted from the substance into the first liquid byconduction through the wall of the primary container, such that heatabstracted into the first liquid by conduction through the wall of theprimary container causes the liquid to have a nonuniform temperature andproduces circulatory motion in the liquid due to variation in thedensity of the liquid and the action of gravity, and such that heat isabstracted from the first liquid by the conduction through the wall ofthe auxiliary container.

In still another embodiment of the invention, I provide an improved twophase single wall heat transfer device for use in contacting and drawingheat away from a substance. The heat transfer device includes an outerwall circumscribing and enclosing an inner space; a plurality of hollowfluid tight containers connected to a portion of said wall and extendingfrom the wall into the inner space; a first heat-exchange composition inthe inner space contacting each of the fluid tight containers andcomprising a liquid which undergoes a change of state from the liquidphase to the solid phase at a selected temperature of transformation;and, a second heat-exchange composition in each of the hollow containerscomprising a liquid which undergoes a change of state from the liquidphase to the solid phase at a selected temperature of transformation.

In still a further embodiment of the invention, I provide an improvedtwo phase single wall bi-directional heat transfer device for use incontacting and drawing heat away from a substance. The heat transferdevice includes an outer wall circumscribing and enclosing an innerspace; a plurality of hollow fluid containers mounted on the outer wallin the inner space, each of the containers including a top and at leastone side; a first heat-exchange composition in the inner spacecontacting each of the fluid containers and comprising a liquid whichundergoes a change of state from the liquid phase to the solid phase ata selected temperature of transformation; and, a second heat-exchangecomposition in each of the hollow containers comprising a liquid whichundergoes a change of state from the liquid phase to the solid phase ata selected temperature of transformation. The side of each of the hollowfluid tight containers is substantially normal to the top such that heattraveling through the hollow fluid container between the first andsecond heat-exchange compositions travels in a first direction throughthe top and in a second direction through the side. The first directionis substantially normal to the second direction.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, I provide an improved twophase single wall heat transfer device for use in contacting and drawingheat away from a substance. The heat transfer device includes an outerwall circumscribing and enclosing an inner space; a plurality of spacedapart hollow fluid containers mounted in said inner space above saidouter wall, each of said containers including a top and at least oneside; a floor interconnecting the hollow fluid tight containers; a firstheat-exchange composition in the inner space contacting each of thefluid containers and comprising a liquid which undergoes a change ofstate from the liquid phase to the solid phase at a selected temperatureof transformation; a second heat-exchange composition in each of saidhollow containers comprising a liquid which undergoes a change of statefrom the liquid phase to the solid phase at a selected temperature oftransformation; the wall, floor, and fluid containers being shaped anddimensioned such that heat absorbed through the wall by the firstheat-exchange composition is carried by convection intermediate thehollow fluid containers and into contact with the sides of thecontainers and with the floor.

In yet a further embodiment of the invention, I provide an improved twophase single wall heat transfer device for use in contacting and drawingheat away from a substance. The heat transfer device includes an outerwall circumscribing and enclosing an inner space; a plurality of hollowfluid containers mounted in the inner space; a first heat-exchangecomposition in the inner space contacting each of the fluid containersand comprising a liquid which undergoes a change of state from theliquid phase to the solid phase at a selected temperature oftransformation; a second heat-exchange composition in each of hollowcontainers comprising a liquid which undergoes a change of state fromthe liquid phase to the solid phase at a selected temperature oftransformation; and, a pump for circulating the first heat-exchangecomposition into contact with the fluid containers.

In still yet another embodiment of the invention I provide an improvedpliable two phase single wall heat transfer device for use in contactingand drawing heat away from a substance. The heat transfer devicecomprises an outer wall circumscribing and enclosing an inner space; aplurality of spaced apart hollow fluid tight containers connected to aportion of the wall, extending from the wall into the inner space, andincluding rounded bottoms to faciliate folding adjacent ones of thefluid containers against one another; a first heat-exchange compositionin the inner space contacting each of the fluid tight containers andcomprising a liquid which undergoes a change of state from the liquidphase to the solid phase at a selected temperature of transformation;and, a second heat-exchange composition in each of the hollow containerscomprising a liquid which undergoes a change of state from the liquidphase to the solid phase at a selected temperature of transformation.

In yet still a further embodiment of the invention, I provide animproved method for manufacturing a two phase single wall bi-directionalheat transfer device for use in contacting and drawing heat away from asubstance. The improved method includes the steps of providing a firstsheet of pliable material; forming a pan with the sheet of material, thepan including a peripheral lip extending around the pan; charging thepan with a first heat-exchange composition comprising a liquid whichundergoes a change of state from the liquid phase to the solid phase ata selected temperature of transformation; providing a second sheet ofpliable material; forming a module matrix with the second sheet ofmaterial, the module matrix including a peripheral edge and including aplurality of modules each with a bottom and an open top; placing themodule matrix in the pan such that the bottom of each module extendsinto the first heat-exchange composition; administering a secondheat-exchange composition to each of the modules comprising a liquidwhich undergoes a change of state from the liquid phase to the solidphase at a selected temperature of transformation liquid; and, sealingthe first composition in the pan and the second composition in themodule matrix.

In another embodiment of the invention I provide an improved pliable twophase single wall heat transfer device for use in contacting and drawingheat away from a substance. The heat transfer device comprises an outerwall circumscribing and enclosing an inner space; a plurality of spacedapart hollow fluid tight containers connected to a portion of the wall,extending from the wall into the inner space, and including roundedbottoms to faciliate folding adjacent ones of the fluid containersagainst one another; a first heat-exchange composition in the innerspace contacting each of the fluid tight containers and comprising aliquid which undergoes a change of state from the liquid phase to thesolid phase at a selected temperature of transformation; and, a secondheat-exchange composition in each of the hollow containers comprising aliquid which undergoes a change of state from the liquid phase to thesolid phase at a selected temperature of transformation. A plurality ofchannels interconnects pairs of the hollow containers to promote theflow of liquid therebetween.

In a further embodiment of the invention, I provide an improved pliabletwo phase single wall heat transfer device for use in contacting anddrawing heat away from a substance. The heat transfer device comprises aplurality of matrix units each including an outer wall circumscribingand enclosing an inner space; a plurality of spaced apart hollow fluidtight containers connected to a portion of the wall, extending from thewall into the inner space; a first heat-exchange composition in theinner space contacting each of the fluid tight containers and comprisinga liquid which undergoes a change of state from the liquid phase to thesolid phase at a selected temperature of transformation; and, a secondheat-exchange composition in each of the hollow containers comprising aliquid which undergoes a change of state from the liquid phase to thesolid phase at a selected temperature of transformation. The heattransfer device also includes a fastening system for interconnecting thematrix units along at least a pair of separate spaced apart lines ofweakening to enable the heat transfer device to be mounted over theshoulders and around the neck of an individual.

In a further embodiment of the invention, I provide an improved pliabletwo phase single wall heat transfer device for use in contacting anddrawing heat away from a substance. The heat transfer device comprises aplurality of matrix units each including an outer wall circumscribingand enclosing an inner space; a plurality of spaced apart hollow fluidtight containers connected to a portion of the wall, extending from thewall into the inner space; a first heat-exchange composition in theinner space contacting each of the fluid tight containers and comprisinga liquid which undergoes a change of state from the liquid phase to thesolid phase at a selected temperature of transformation; and, a secondheat-exchange composition in each of the hollow containers comprising aliquid which undergoes a change of state from the liquid phase to thesolid phase at a selected temperature of transformation. The heattransfer device also includes a fastening system for detachablyinterconnecting the matrix units in a plurality of differentconfigurations along at least a pair of separate spaced apart lines ofweakening to enable the heat transfer device to conform to differentportions of an individual's body.

In still another embodiment of the invention, I provide a method fordrawing heat away from a substance. The method comprises the steps ofconducting heat from the substance through a first sheet into a firstfluid reservoir; moving heat by liquid convection in the reservoir;conducting through a second sheet into a second fluid reservoir heattransported by liquid convection in the first fluid reservoir; and,moving heat by liquid convection from the second fluid reservoir to thefirst fluid reservoir.

Turning now to the drawings, which depict the presently preferredembodiments of the invention for the purpose of illustrating thepractice thereof and not by way of limitation of the scope of theinvention, and in which like reference characters refer to correspondingelements throughout the several views, FIG. 1 illustrates a heattransfer device generally identified by reference character 10. Device10 includes a spherical hollow primary container having a wall 11including spherical outer surface 12 and spherical inner surface 13. Aliquid 14 is housed inside the primary container. At least one auxiliaryspherical hollow container 15 is in and free to move and circulate aboutthe reservoir formed by liquid 14. Each hollow container 15 includes aspherical wall 30 having a spherical outer surface 16 and a sphericalinner surface 17. A liquid 18 is housed inside each auxiliary container15. Liquid 14 has a lower (cooler) freezing point than liquid 18, andpreferably, but not necessarily, has a freezing point lower than thecoldest temperatures found in conventional household or commercialfreezers. By way of example, and not limitation, liquid 14 presentlycomprises propylene glycol and liquid 18 comprises water. Liquid 18preferably has a freezing point greater or equal to the coldesttemperature found in conventional household or commercial freezers.

Other examples of compositions that can be utilized as liquid 14 orliquid 18 include aqueous solutions of ethyl alcohol, methyl alcohol,PRESTONE, iso-propyl alcohol, and glycerol. Magnesium chloride, sodiumchloride, and calcium chloride brines can be utilized. Refrigerantswhich can be utilized as liquid 14 include ammonia, ethyl chloride, andmethyl chloride.

The wall 11 is preferably, although not necessarily, fabricated from apliable vinyl or other pliable material so that wall 11 will conform toa part of an individual's body or will conform to some other object thatis contacted by heat transfer device 10. Similarly, the wall 30 ispreferably, although not necessarily, fabricated from a pliable vinyl orother pliable material so that wall 30 will conform to a part of anindividual's body or will conform to some other object. As would beappreciated by those of skill in the art, device 10 and walls 11 and 15need not be spherical and can be made to have any desired shape,contour, and dimension. Walls 11 and 15 need not be pliable and can besubstantially rigid.

In use of the heat transfer device 10, device 10 is placed in a freezer.Liquid 18, being water, freezes. Liquid 14, being propylene glycol, doesnot freeze. After liquid 18 freezes, device 10 is removed from thefreezer and placed against a portion 40 of an individual's body oragainst some other object or substance so that device 10 absorbs heat H.Heat is absorbed through wall 11 and into liquid 14 by the transfer ofkinetic energy from particle to particle. When heat is absorbed byliquid 14, liquid 14 has a non-uniform temperature, i.e., liquid nearwall 11 is warmer and has a greater enthalpy than liquid farther awayfrom wall 11. If liquid near wall 11 has a different temperature, thedensity of the liquid near wall 11 is different than the density ofcooler liquid farther away from wall 11. This density differential,along with the force of gravity, causes circulation and movement ofliquid 14. When, during this circulation and movement, warmed liquid 14passes by and contacts an auxiliary spherical hollow container 15, heatis absorbed through wall 30 and into frozen liquid 18 by the transfer ofkinetic energy from particle to particle.

The heat transfer device of FIG. 2 is identical to that of FIG. 1 exceptthat auxiliary containers 15 are connected in a chain to each other andto the inner surface of wall 13 by links 19, 20, and 21, respectively.This chain can be slack so that containers 15 can, to a degree, moveabout in liquid 14, or, the chain can be substantially rigid so itmaintains its shape and dimension even if pliable wall 11 is displaced.

The heat transfer device of FIG. 3 is identical to that of FIG. 1 exceptthat auxiliary containers 15 are removed and replaced by an elongatehollow auxiliary container 31 having a cylindrical wall 24 with acylindrical outer surface 25 and a cylindrical inner surface 26.Container 31 is filled with a liquid 28 which, like liquid 18, has afreezing point which is greater (warmer) than that of liquid 14.

In another embodiment of the invention, liquids 18 and/or 28 have afreezing point which is less than that of liquid 14. This embodiment ofthe invention is particularly desirable if liquid 14, when frozen, ismalleable or is readily broken into pieces which permit a pliable wall13 to be displaced and manipulated like the pliable rubber wall of a hotwater bottle can be manipulated when the water bottle is filled withwater

In a further embodiment of the invention, liquids 18 and/or 28 have afreezing point equivalent to that of liquid 14.

The use of the devices of FIGS. 2 and 3 is comparable to that of theheat transfer device of FIG. 1. In FIG. 2, auxiliary containers 15absorb heat from liquid 14. In FIG. 3, auxiliary container 31 absorbsheat from liquid 14.

The ratio of the mass of liquid 14 with respect to the mass of liquid 18(or 28) in a device 10 can vary as desired, but is presently preferablyabout 1:1. As the mass of liquid 18 with respect to the mass of liquid14 increases, the heat absorbing capacity of liquid 18 increases, butthere is less of liquid 14 to circulate to containers 15 heat which isabsorbed from wall 11. It is believed that if the mass of liquid 18greatly exceeds that of liquid 14 (e.g., the ratio of liquid 18 toliquid 14 is, for example, 8:1), then heat will tend to be absorbeddirectly by containers 15 instead of first being absorbed by liquid 14and transferred to containers 15. This would defeat a primary feature ofthe invention. The use of liquid 14 to circulate heat to containers 15is believed central to the invention and is believed, at least in part,responsible for why the heat transfer apparatus of the invention stayscool for unusually long periods of time. The ratio of liquid 18 toliquid 14 is preferably, but not necessarily, in the range of 3:1 to1:3, most preferably in the range of 2:1 to 1:2.

The materials utilized to construct walls 11 and 30 and 24 affect therate of heat transfer. Thicker walls normally transfer heat at a slowerrate; thinner walls at a faster rate. While polymer material isdesirable in walls 11, 24, 30 because pliable polymer materials arereadily available, incorporating metal or other materials whichfacilitate the transfer of heat is also desirable.

When a device 10 is placed in a freezer to solidify liquid 18, liquid 14can have a composition which permits it to turn to a gel, but preferablydoes not solidify. It is preferred that liquid 14 remain a liquid orbecome a gel so that device 10 remains pliable after being frozen.Similarly, when liquid 18 is frozen, it may turn to a gel and may notcompletely solidify.

The following example is given by way of demonstration and notlimitation of the scope of the invention.

EXAMPLE

The following were obtained:

-   -   1. A twelve inch long by twelve inch wide “THERAPAC”™ two ply        vinyl “cold pack” containing a white odorless insoluble gelatin.        This cold pack was identified as “A”.    -   2. A twelve inch long by twelve inch wide “COLPAC”™ single ply        plastic “cold pack” filled with a gray odorless soluble gelatin.        This cold pack was identified as “B”.    -   3. A cold pack was constructed in accordance with the invention        and comprised a ten inch long by ten inch wide two ply plastic        container filled with one and three-fourths pounds of propylene        glycol and a plurality of small elastic liquid-filled rubber        containers each having a diameter in the range of one inch to        one and one-quarter inches. The liquid in each of the small        rubber containers was water. One and three-fourths pounds of        water was used to fill the small rubber containers, i.e., each        small rubber container contained significantly less than one and        three-fourths pounds of water, and, if all the water in all of        the small rubber containers were poured in a container, the        water would have weighed one and three-fourth pounds. The rubber        containers could move about freely in the propylene glycol. Each        ply in the plastic bag had a thickness of about two to three        mils. The wall thickness of each rubber container was about two        to three mils. This cold pack was identified as “C”.

Cold packs A, B, C were all placed at the same time in a freezer. Afterseveral hours, cold packs A, B, C were removed at the same time from thefreezer and placed on a flat table top in a room. The room temperaturewas eighty degrees and was maintained at eighty degrees while thefollowing measurements were made. Measurements were made when the coldpacks were removed from the freezer and at hourly intervals thereafterup to four hours. Each time measurements were taken, a measurement wastaken on the outer surface of each cold pack and on the interior of eachcold pack. The results are summarized below in Tables I and II. TABLE ISurface Temperature Measurements of Cold Packs A, B, C TemperatureMeasurements (Degrees F.) Cold Pack At removal 1 hour 2 hours 3 hours 4hours A 5 48 56 72 77 B 5 47 55 73 80 C 10 39 39 40 42

TABLE II Interior Temperature Measurements of Cold Packs A, B, CTemperature Measurements (Degrees F.) Cold Pack At removal 1 hour 2hours 3 hours 4 hours A 0 47 55 65 75 B 0 49 57 65 75 C 15 15 32 34 36

The above results demonstrate that the cold pack of the invention(identified as “C”) remained much colder for much longer than theconventional cold packs identified as “A” and “B”. These results weresurprising and unexpected and are believed to demonstrate the utilityand novelty of the heat transfer device of the invention.

Another heat transfer device of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 4and is generally indicated by reference character 32. Device 32 includesouter wall 33. The material(s) used to fabricate wall 33 can vary asdesired. Wall 33 presently preferably comprises a pliable waterimpermeable material like rubber or plastic. Wall 33 circumscribes andencloses inner space 36. Cylindrical hollow fluid containers 34 and 35are mounted in inner space 36. The shape and dimension of each container34, 35 can vary as desired. Each container 34 is fluid tight andcompletely encloses a space 37. Each container 35 partially encloses aspace 38 and opens into the lower portion of inner space 36 in FIG. 4.Each container 35 can be mounted on floor 46 in an invertedconfiguration in which space 38 opens into the upper portion—instead ofthe lower portion—of space 36. Each container 34 includes a top 40 andside 41. The thickness of top 40 and side 41 can vary as desired to varythe ability of heat to traverse and pass through top 40 and side 41.

Containers 34, 35 are mounted on a floor 46 that extends across andbifurcates inner space 36 into two separate chambers or spaces. Theouter peripheral edge of floor 46 is attached to wall 33. A firstheat-exchange composition 44 is in the upper chamber created in space 36by floor 46. A second heat-exchange composition 45 is in the lowerchamber created in space 36 by floor 46. Floor 46 and containers 34 and35 prevent composition 44 from intermixing with composition 45, andvice-versa. If desired, floor 46 can be perforated to allow the flow offluid 44 into fluid 45, and vice-versa.

The freezing point of composition 44 can vary as desired and can beequal to that of composition 45, greater than that of composition 45, orless than that of composition 45. In one presently preferred embodiment,the freezing point of composition 44 is lower than that of composition45. Composition 44 can be the same as composition 45. It is presentlypreferred, although not necessary, that compositions 44 and 45 be in aliquid phase when heated to normal room temperature of 76 degrees F.;that composition 45 freeze at temperatures in the range of fifteendegrees Fahrenheit to thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit; and, thatcomposition 44 freeze at temperatures less than fifteen degreesFahrenheit. In this configuration, composition 45 normally freezes whenplaced in a conventional residential freezer while composition 44 doesnot. Since composition 44 then remains in a liquid state and since wall33 normally is pliable, wall 33 and composition 44 can readily conformto a surface (i.e., the body of a human being or other animal) even ifcomposition 45 is, when frozen, rigid.

A third heat-exchange chemical composition can be in space 37 in eachfluid tight container 34. The third composition can be a gas, liquid, orsolid and can have any desired phase transformation temperatures.Practically speaking, however, the third composition is, as are thefirst and second heat-exchange compositions, preferably a fluid at roomtemperature because the heat-exchange compositions preferred in thepractice of the invention either remain in a fluid form or transformbetween only two phases, the liquid phase and the solid phase of theheat-exchange composition. Gases have minimal thermal capacity andordinarily are difficult to transform into liquids or solids at normalambient, freezing or heating temperatures.

When the upper portion of wall 33 in FIG. 4 is placed against asubstance having a temperature cooler than that of an aqueous liquidcomposition 44, heat from composition 44 travels outwardly through wall33 causing the temperature of the portion of composition 44 adjacentwall 33 to cool. When the composition 44 cools, the density of thecooled liquid increases, causing the liquid to move downwardly undergravity in a convection current in the direction of arrow A.

When the lower portion of wall 33 in FIG. 4 is placed against asubstance having a temperature warmer than that of a liquid composition45, heat from the substance is absorbed by composition 45 through thelower portion of wall 33. The warmed portion of composition 45 typicallycarries the heat by convection upwardly in the direction indicated byarrow B. Fluid circulating in the manner indicated by arrows A and Btravels adjacent the sides 41, 43 and tops 40, 42 of containers 34 and35, permitting heat to travel through the containers betweencompositions 44 and 45. The shape and configuration of containers 34 and35 is important in this respect. A plurality of spaced apart containers34 and 35 is preferred because the upstanding sides 41, 43 significantlyincrease the surface area available to compositions 44 and 45. Further,when sides 41 and 43 are substantially normal to floor 46 and top 40 or42, heat can be absorbed substantially vertically through a top 40, 42or floor 46 in the direction indicated by arrow C and can be absorbedsubstantially laterally through a side 41 and 43. A side 41, 43 issubstantially normal to floor 46 or top, 40, 42 if the side is at anangle in the range of sixty to one-hundred and twenty degrees,preferably in the range of seventy-five to one-hundred and five degrees,to floor 46 or top 40, 42. In FIG. 4, sides 41 and 43 are normal to tops40, 42 and floor 46. Another reason containers 34 and 35 are preferredis that when fluid flows between containers 34 and 35 or into acontainer 35, turbulent flow and eddy currents are believed more likelyto occur, particularly if the distance between adjacent containers isone inch or less. Turbulent flow and eddy currents facilitate theintermixing of warmed fluid 44 (or 45) with cooler fluid 44 (or 45).This intermixing of fluid 44 having different temperatures facilitatesthe efficient transfer of heat from a substance to fluid 44 and fromfluid 44 either through containers 34, 35 to composition 45 or to athird composition in spaces 37 in containers 34. Heat can also, ifdesired, transfer from composition 45 to fluid 44 in the event thatcomposition 45 is used to absorb heat.

Another preferred feature of containers 34 and 35 is that each containerhave substantial dimensional parity. Dimension parity is importantbecause it slows the absorption of heat by the container 34 and 35.Slowing the absorption of heat tends to extend the useful life of device32 as a cooling device. If containers 34 and 35 do not have dimensionalparity and instead take on the configuration of a sheet or panel, thecomposition in each container 34, 35 tends to more rapidly absorb heat.A container 34, 35 has dimensional parity when the height and width of across-section taken through the center (or estimated center) of thecontainer and normal to the length (i.e., normal to the greatestdimension of the container) are substantially equal. The height andwidth of such a cross-section of the container are substantially equalwhen the ratio of the height to the width is in the range of 5:1 to 1:5,preferably 3:1 to 1:3. A sphere has substantial dimensional paritybecause the height and width of a cross-section through the center ofthe sphere are equal, i.e., are each equal the diameter of the sphere.Therefore, for a sphere, the ratio of the height of the cross-section tothe width of the cross-section is 1:1. A cube has substantialdimensional parity because the ratio of the height to the width of across-section that passes through the center of the cube, passes throughfour of the corners of the cube, and is normal to a centerline passingthrough two corners of the cube is 1:1.

A parallelepiped that is 4 cm high, 6 cm wide, and 8 cm long hassubstantial dimensional parity because the ratio of height to the widthof a cross-section taken through the center and normal to thelongitudinal centerline of the parallelepiped 1:1.5.

A parallelepiped which is in the shape of a panel and has a length of 8cm, height of 4 cm, and a width of 0.5 cm does not have substantialdimensional parity because the ratio of the height to the width of across-section taken through the center and normal to the longitudinalcenterline of the parallelepiped is 8:1 (i.e., is 4 to 0.5). Thisparallelepiped would, because of its narrow width, more rapidly absorbheat and dissipate the thermal absorption capacity of the composition inor comprising the parallelepiped.

When the side 41, 43 and top 40, 42 of a container 34, 35 arethin-walled, i.e., are less than about two millimeters (mm) thick (i.e.,having a thickness of two mm plus or minus 10%), and have asubstantially uniform thickness (i.e., the thickness of the side(s),top, and, if appropriate, bottom, walls at all points varies by no morethan about two millimeters), then the outer dimensions of the containerprovide a good indication of whether the container has substantialdimensional parity. If, however, the thickness of a wall(s) of thecontainer is greater than about two mm and/or the thickness of the wallsis not substantially uniform, then the outer dimensions of the containermay not provide a good indication of whether the container hassubstantial dimensional parity, and the configuration of the space 37,37A inside the container 34, 35 needs to be taken into account todetermine if there is substantial dimensional parity. The same criteriaused to evaluate the dimensional parity of the outside shape anddimension of a container 34, 35 can be utilized to evaluate thedimensional parity of the space 37, 37A inside a container 34, 35. Ifthe space 37, 37A is the shape of a cube, then the space has dimensionalparity. If the space 37, 37A is the shape of a sphere, then the spacehas dimensional parity. If the space 37, 37A is the shape of aparallelepiped having a length of 8 cm, a height of 4 cm, and a width of0.5, then the space does not have substantial dimensional parity. InFIG. 5, containers 53 and 54 are not thin-walled. Since, however, thecross-sections of the spaces inside containers 53 and 54 have the shapeof a cube, containers 53 and 54 have substantial dimensional parity. Theheat transfer container illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 2,595,328 to Bowendoes not appear to have substantial dimensional parity.

Another heat transfer device 50 is illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 and issimilar to heat transfer device 32. A particular advantage of device 50is that it only requires outer liquid impermeable wall 51 and does notrequire a floor 46 because containers 52, 53, 54 are connected to aportion of wall 51 and extend into space. This makes device 50inexpensive to manufacture. Each container 52, 53, 54 includes a fluidtight wall 57, a top 58, and a bottom that comprises a portion of wall51. The inner space 60 of each container includes a heat-exchangecomposition 60. Inner space 55 is circumscribed and enclosed by wall 51and includes heat-exchange composition 56. The freezing point ofcomposition 56 can be greater than, less than, or equal to the freezingpoint of composition 60. In one presently preferred embodiment, thefreezing point of composition 60 is a higher temperature than thefreezing point of composition 56.

The distance, indicated by arrows E, between an adjacent pair ofcontainers 52 can vary as desired, as can the height, indicated byarrows F, and the width, indicated by arrows G, of a container 52. Tofacilitate the transfer of heat between compositions 56 and 60, it ispreferred that a plurality of containers 52 be provided. As the numberof containers 52 increases, the available surface area increases. By wayof example, and not limitation, containers 52 presently preferably havea width G in the range of one-quarter to one inch, and a height G in therange of one-quarter to one inch. This distance E between adjacentcontainers is in the range of one-quarter to three-quarters of an inch.Arrows H to K in FIG. 5 illustrate possible liquid flow paths. Liquidtraveling along these flow paths transports heat by convection away fromwall 51 toward containers 52, 53, 54.

Heat transfer device 60 in FIG. 7 includes parallelepiped wall 61circumscribing and enclosing inner spaces 62 and 67 and hollow fluidtight containers 63, 64 mounted on wall 62. A heat-exchange fluid orsolid is in each container 63, 64. Rectangular plate 66 separates spaces62 and 67. Pump 69 circulates a heat-exchange liquid. The liquid flowsout of space 62 in the direction of arrows 68, through pump 69, and backinto space 67 in the direction of travel indicated by arrows 70. Liquidflowing into space 67 flows through perforations 65 back into space 62.

Heat transfer device 80 in FIG. 8 includes outer wall 81. Walls 61, 81normally, but not necessarily, are liquid impermeable. Hollow fluidtight containers 82, 83, 84 are housed within wall 81, are mounted onwall 81, and extend into the inner space circumscribed by wall 81 in thesame manner that containers 52, 53, 54 are attached to wall 51 andextend into space 55 in FIGS. 5 and 6. The inner space circumscribed bywall 81 is filled with a first heat-exchange composition. Each container82 to 84 is filled with a second heat-exchange composition. When thefirst heat-exchange composition is in a fluid phase, pump 85 circulatesthe first heat-exchange composition. The first heat-exchange compositionexits pump 85 and travels through conduit 86 in the manner indicated byarrows M, N, O. The upper arm 87 of conduit 86 is perforated such thatfluid exits arm 87 under pressure in the direction indicated by arrow P.The perforations are shaped and spaced to facilitate a uniform rate ofdispersal of fluid out of arm 87 along the length of arm 87, or along aselected portion of the length of arm 87. The first heat-exchangecomposition flows around and between containers 82, 38, 84 in the mannerindicated by arrows Q, R, S and re-enters pump 85, which again directsthe composition into conduit 86 under pressure.

Walls 33 and 51 and 61 and 81, floor 46, and containers 34, 35, 52, 53,54, 63, 64, 82, 83, 84 can be rigid or flexible or pliable, elastic ornon-elastic, porous or non-porous, fluid tight or not fluid tight, haveone or more layers, and can be constructed from any desired materialincluding, without limitation, resin, metal, glass, concrete, plaster,porcelain, and paper.

As earlier noted, fluid can be circulated in the heat transfer device ofthe invention by convection and by the use of a pump. Fluid can also becirculated by shaking the heat transfer device and by, when the outerwall 33, 51, 61, 81 is pliable, manually kneading or displacing the wallto move the heat-exchange composition 44, 56 in the device.

As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, in FIG. 4 eitherthe top or bottom of wall 33 can be placed against a surface to beheated or cooled. In FIG. 4, only containers 34 or only containers 35can, if desired, be utilized and mounted on floor 46.

In one embodiment of the invention, the containers 52 in FIG. 5 each arecylindrically shaped, are of equivalent shape and dimension, have adiameter and height of about one-half inch, are equidistant from otheradjacent containers, and are spaced apart about one-half inch in achecker board array similar to that shown in FIG. 6.

In FIG. 4, containers 34, 35 approximately double the surface areaexposed to composition 44. If containers 34, 35 are not utilized andfloor 46 is a flat, continuous member extending completely across device32, then the surface area exposed to composition 44 is about equal tothe sum of the area of the tops 40, 42 of the containers 34, 35 and thearea of the portions of floor 46 extending intermediate containers 34,35 in the manner shown in FIG. 4. When containers 34, 35 are utilized,the surface area exposed to composition 44 equals the sum of the area oftops 40, 42 plus the area of the portions of floor 46 extendingintermediate containers 34, 35 plus the sum of the cylindrical surfaceareas of each side 41, 43. 100% of the surface area of each container 35is in contact with composition 44. All of the surface area of eachcontainer 34 is in contact with composition 44 excepting the circularbase, which is in contact with composition 45. The proportion of thesurface area of each container 34, 35 in contact with composition 44 or45 is in the range of 20% to 100%, preferably in the range of 55% to100%, most preferably in the range of 70% to 100%. In U.S. Pat. No.2,595,328 to Bowen, only 50% of each receptacle 8 is in contact withmaterial 7 positioned above receptacle 8. The more desirable embodimentsof the invention illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 herein utilize containers34, 35 having well over 50% of the containers in contact withcomposition 44 and/or 45.

The use of containers 34, 35, 52, etc. that remain in fixed positioncomprises one preferred embodiment of the invention because thecontainers 34, 35, 52 are prevented from bunching together. This insuresthat the heat transfer characteristics of the heat transfer deviceremain fixed and more evenly distributed throughout the device.

Another important feature of the invention is the proportion of thesurface area of floor 46 (or of the bottom area of a wall 51 on whichcontainers 52, 53, 54 are mounted in FIG. 5) intermediate containers 34,35 with respect to the surface area of floor 46 occupied by the base ofeach container 52, 53. This is important because there must besufficient space intermediate containers 52, 53 to permit fluid tocirculate in the manner indicated by arrows A and B (and arrows H to Kin FIG. 5) so heat can be transferred through floor 46 to fluid 45and/or through walls 41 and 43 to fluid 45 or to fluid in spaces 37.U.S. Pat. No. 2,595,328 discloses a heat transfer device which haslittle floor space (zones 9 in Bowen) and, consequently, which permitslittle lateral heat transfer and little heat transfer through zones 9.The ratio of the surface area of floor 46 intermediate containers 34, 35to the surface area of the bases of containers 35, 35 (where in FIG. 4the surface area of each base of a cylindrical containers 34, 35 isequal to the surface area of the top 40, 42 of the container) is in therange of 1:3.5 to 10:1, preferably 1:2 to 10:1.

Similarly the proportion of the surface area of containers 34, 35 thatpermits lateral heat transfer D is important in the practice of theinvention. The proportion of the surface area of the side(s) of acontainer 34, 35 to the total surface area of the container is in therange of 1:4 to 10:1. The receptacles 8 in U.S. Pat. No. 2,595,328 toBowen are not constructed to significantly utilize lateral heattransfer. The total surface area of container 35 herein includes thearea of top 42 plus the area of side 43. The total surface area ofcontainer 34 includes the surface area of circular top 40, the surfacearea of cylindrical side 41, and the area of the circular base ofcontainer 34. If the proportion of the surface area of the side(s) of acontainer 34, 35 with respect to the total surface area of the containeris too great (i.e., is, for example, 12:1), then it is likely thecontainer is either losing dimensional parity or is so tall that itinterferes with proper fluid circulation. Similarly if the proportion ofthe surface area of the side(s) of a container 34, 35 with respect tothe total surface area of the container is too small (i.e., is forexample 1:6), then it is also likely the container is losing dimensionalparity and/or is so short that the lateral heat absorption D isadversely affected.

In one preferred embodiment of the invention, fluid 56 has a lowerfreezing point than the fluid in containers 52. For example, fluid 56 isglycol and the fluid 60 in containers 52 is water. Device 50 is placedin a conventional residential freezer in a refrigerator. Fluid 60freezes. Fluid 56 does not. The upper portion of wall 51 in FIG. 5 isplaced against the back of the neck of an individual. Since fluid 56 isin a liquid state, fluid 56 and the upper portion of pliable wall 51readily conform to the shape of individual's neck (or shoulder, or arm,etc.). Fluid 56 absorbs heat. Convection currents H to K carry heattoward containers 52. The shape and dimension and spacing of containers52 cause turbulent flow and eddy current when the convection currentsflow into, past, and between containers 52. Frozen fluid 60 absorbsheat. Eventually a large enough quantity of heat is absorbed to causefrozen fluid 60 to undergo a phase transformation from a solid to aliquid.

FIG. 9 illustrates another heat transfer device 70 constructed inaccordance with the principles of the invention. Device 70 includes apan 73, a module matrix 72, and a seal layer 71.

Pan 73 includes bottom 78 and includes outer parallel elongate planarlips or edges 88 and 89 and includes inner parallel inset elongateplanar lips or edges 79. The construction of lips or edges 88, 89, 79 issimilar to the construction of lips or edges 88A, 89A, 79A and 79B inpan 173A in FIG. 10C. The construction of pan 73 is similar to that ofpan 173A.

Module matrix 72 includes a plurality of modules 74, 75, 76, 77. In FIG.9 there are sixteen equal sized modules 75 in an upper left handquadrant I, sixteen equal sized modules 76 in an upper right handquadrant II, sixteen modules 74 in a lower left hand quadrant III, andsixteen modules 77 in a lower right hand quadrant IV. The shape anddimension of each module can, if desired, vary. However, in FIG. 9 eachmodule 74, 75, 76, 77 has an equivalent shape and dimension. Adjacentmodules 75 in the upper left hand quadrant are spaced equal distancesapart, as are adjacent modules 75 to 77 in the remaining three quadrantillustrated in FIG. 9. If desired, module matrix 72 can, and likelywould, include additional modules, preferably, but not necessarily, insub-matrix groupings of four by four (or sixteen total) modules.

One particular advantage of module matrix 172 is that each quadrant I,II, III, IV of sixteen modules is spaced apart from any adjacent modulessuch that the distance indicated by arrows D5 and D7 is greater than thedistance D6 between modules in a quadrant. This facilitates folding orcutting device 70 along axis X and/or Y.

Another advantage of module matrix 172 is that each module 74 to 77 hasa semi-spherical, cylindrical, semi-ellipsoidal, semi-spheroidal orother arcuate bottom like modules 77A in FIGS. 11B and 11C. Providingmodules 74 to 77 with arcuate bottoms faciliates pliably bending ordeforming device 70 in the manner indicated by arrows 201 and 202 inFIG. 10D for heat transfer device 170. The arcuate bottoms of eachmodule 74 to 77 also facilitate the flow of fluid around the bottoms.

The peripheral edges of seal layer 71 are fixedly sealingly connected tolips 88, 89 to seal liquid (not visible in FIG. 9) that fills pan 73 andsurrounds modules 74, 75, 76, 77 and that fills each module 74, 75, 76,77. Layer 71 is sealingly affixed to edges 88 and 89 in the same mannerthat layer 71A is affixed to edges 89A and 88A in FIG. 10D.

While distance D5 can vary as desired, D5 is presently preferably in therange of 16 mm to 24 mm. The distance D6, D2, D8 between a pair ofadjacent modules 74 in a quadrant can vary but is presently preferablyeight millimeters to twelve millimeters. The diameter or width W1 (FIG.11C) of a module can vary but is presently preferably in the range of 20mm to 40 mm. The depth D1 (FIG. 11C) of a module is preferably equal toor about equal to the width of the module. The bottom 77C (FIG. 10D) ofa module can contact or need not contact the bottom 78, 78A of a pan 73,173A.

A procedure for fabricating a heat transfer device similar to thatdepicted in FIG. 9 is illustrated FIGS. 10A to 10D and 11A to 11C.

In FIG. 10A, a deformable pliable sheet 73A of a polymer or some othermaterial is provided along with a mold 91. Mold 91 includes apertures92. Apparatus (not shown) draws air out from the inside of mold 91through apertures 92 in the direction indicated by arrow L to draw sheet73A into the mold and to contour sheet 73A to the inner surface 91A ofthe mold. A follower 90 is also provided to assist sheet 73A incontouring to surface 91A. After suction is applied to draw air in thedirection of arrow L and follower 90 is simultaneously moved downwardlyin the direction of arrow T, sheet 73A contours to inner surface 91A inthe manner illustrated in 10B and a pan 173A is formed.

In FIG. 10B, pan 173A includes bottom 78A, includes elongate, parallelspaced apart inset edges 79A and 79B, and includes elongate, parallel,spaced apart outer edges 88A and 89A.

In FIG. 10C, follower 90 has been removed and nozzle 93 is utilized toinject fluid into pan 173A to form a reservoir 94.

The module matrix 172A produced using the steps illustrated in FIGS. 11Ato 11C is inserted in pan 173A in FIG. 10D.

In FIG. 11A, a deformable pliable sheet 72A of a polymer or some othermaterial is provided along with a mold 96. Mold 96 includes openings 97.Each opening 97 includes an upright cylindrical wall and asemi-spherical bottom. Apparatus (not shown) draws air out from theinside of mold 96 through apertures 97 in the direction indicated byarrow U to draw sheet 72A into the mold and to contour sheet 72A to theinner surfaces 96A of the mold. A follower 95 is also provided to assistsheet 72A in contouring to cupped surfaces 96A. After suction is appliedto draw air in the direction of arrow U and follower 95 issimultaneously moved downwardly in the direction of arrow V, sheet 72Ais contoured to inner surfaces 96A in the manner illustrated in 11B anda module matrix 172A is formed.

In FIG. 11B, module matrix 172A includes modules 77A.

In FIG. 11C, follower 95 has been removed and nozzles 99 are utilized toinject fluid into modules 77A to form a reservoir 98 in each module 77A.The fluid charged module matrix 172A is inserted in the pan 173A of FIG.10 to produce the module matrix 172A—pan 173A combination illustrated inFIG. 10D. After the module matrix 172A is inserted in pan 173A in themanner illustrated in FIG. 10D, a layer 71A is applied to seal the fluidreservoirs 98, 94 to complete the production of a heat transfer devicein accordance with the invention. Layer 71A is continuously sealed toouter edges 88A and 89A.

If desired, module matrix 172A can be inserted in the pan 173A of FIG.10C before each module 77A is charged with fluid to form reservoirs 98.Or, a auxiliary layer similar to layer 71A can be applied to modulematrix 172A before matrix 172A is inserted in pan 173A. This auxiliarylayer would seal fluid reservoirs 98 in the matrix 172A. After thissealed matrix 172A is inserted in pan 173A, then layer 71A is applied toseal matrix 172A and reservoir 94 in pan 173A.

As earlier discussed, the fluid in reservoirs 98 normally preferably hasa different freezing tempering than the fluid in reservoir 94.

In FIG. 9, the fluid in pan 73 and the fluid in each module 74 to 77 hasbeen omitted for the sake of clarity. The structure of the heat transferdevice 70 of FIG. 9 is generally equivalent to the structure of the heattransfer device illustrated in FIG. 10D except, of course, that the heattransfer device in FIG. 10D includes fewer modules than the heattransfer device 70.

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate another heat transfer device 170 constructedin accordance with the invention. Device 170 is generally equivalent instructure to heat transfer device 70 and to the heat transfer device ofFIG. 10D except that modules 75B in the module matrix 72B areinterconnected by semi-cylindrical channels 100, 102, 104. Device 170includes sealing layer 71B and pan 73B with bottom 78B. The bottom ofeach module 75B contacts bottom 78B as illustrated in FIG. 13. It isnot, however, necessary that the bottom of each module 75B contactbottom 78B. Each module 75B is charged with a liquid (not shown), andpan 73B is charged with a liquid (not shown). The liquid in modules 75Bhas a different freezing temperature than the liquid in pan 73B. Whendevice 170 is utilized, the liquid in modules 75B near the peripheraledge 170P of device 170 tends to melt first. Since channels 100, 102,104 permit fluid to flow between modules 75B, channels 100, 102, 104 arebelieved to facilitate a more uniform distribution of heat into or fromdevice 170. As would be appreciated by those of skill in the art, inFIG. 11A, mold 96 can be shaped and dimensioned to produce a modulematrix 172A that would include channels 100, 102, 104.

FIG. 14 illustrates a heat transfer device 200 that includes a pluralityof module matrices 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206. Each matrix 201 to 206is constructed in a manner similar to that of heat transfer device 170and includes a plurality of liquid filled modules 207, 208. The modules207, 208 are not, for sake of clarity, illustrated in matrices 202 to206. Matrix 201 is attached to matrix 203 along fold line or line ofweakening 219. Matrix 204 is attached to matrix 203 along fold line orline of weakening 218. Matrix 202 is attached to matrix 203 along foldline or line of weakening 217. Matrix 205 is attached to matrix 202along fold line or line of weakening 215. Matrix 206 is attached tomatrix 204 along fold line or line of weakening 216.

One important feature of the heat transfer device of FIG. 14 is thatadjacent matrices are attached to matrix 203 (and to matrices 202 and204) along at least two different and separate lines of weakening andextend outwardly from matrix 203 in different directions. Thisfacilitates wrapping the heat transfer device of FIG. 14 around aportion of an individual's body.

Another important feature of the heat transfer device of FIG. 14 is thatmatrices 202 to 206 form and partially circumscribe an opening 240shaped to receive the neck or another portion of an individual's body.This construction of the heat transfer device 200 facilitatespositioning device 200 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 15 over theshoulders and around the base or back of the neck of an individual 220.

Any desired configuration of matrices 201 to 206 can be employed. Eachmatrix 210 to 206 may, if desired, be round or triangular or some shapeother than the square shape of each matrix 210 to 206 illustrated inFIG. 14. The number of matrices utilized in a heat transfer device 200can vary. For example, a heat transfer device can be utilized in whichmatrices 205 and 206 are moved and only matrices 201 to 204 remain inthe “T” shape illustrated in FIG. 14.

Any desired means can be provided to detachably secure matrices 200 to206 to each other. In FIG. 16, a matrix 223 a “hook” VELCRO™ strip 241is fixedly attached to an edge of matrix 22. A “loop” VELCRO strip 242is fixedly attached to an edge of matrix 223. Strip 241 is detachablysecured to strip 242 to secure matrix 222 to 223 and to form a linealong which matrix 222 can be folded or moved with respect to matrix223. VELCRO strips 243, 244, 245 can be fixedly attached at any desiredlocation(s) on a matrix 222, 223 to facilitate the attachment of thematrix to one or more adjacent matrices. The matrices 201 to 206 in FIG.14 can, for example, be detachably secured to one another in theconfiguration shown by using VELCRO, snaps, or any other desiredfastening system.

FIG. 17 is a partial section view of the heat transfer matrix 222. Theconstruction of matrix 22 is similar to that of device 170 (FIG. 10D).Matrix 222 includes a pan 232 that presently preferably is fabricatedfrom a pliable polymer. A plurality of modules 225, 227 extenddownwardly into pan 232. The modules 225, 227 are presently preferablyfabricated from a pliable polymer. Each modules includes an uppercircular mouth and a lower end that has the general shape thatcorresponds to the surface of one-half of a sphere. Each modules 225,227 is filled with a first heat transfer fluid and is sealed by upperpolymer layer 226. The inner space 233 of pan 232 is filled with asecond heat transfer fluid. In use, the bottom of pan 232 is placedagainst a portion of an individual's body. Heat is conducted in themanner indicated by arrow 230 through the bottom of pan 232 and intoheat transfer fluid in pan 232. Heat is absorbed by the heat transferfluid and travels, as indicated by arrow 231, in pan 232 by fluidconvection to an area adjacent one of modules 225, 227. Heat isconducted from fluid in pan 232 through a module 227 in the mannerindicated by arrow 234 to the heat transfer fluid in the module. Heat isabsorbed by fluid in the module 227. The heat absorbed by fluid inmodule 227 can, if the matrix is constructed in the manner shown in FIG.12, travel by convection in the manner indicated by arrows 120, 121, 123from one module (75B in FIG. 12) to another module (75B in FIG. 12).Consequently, a matrix 222 can provide four heat transfer mechanisms,two by conduction and two by convention. The use of four heat transfermechanisms is important because it facilitate the uniform distributionof heat (and therefore the uniform melting) throughout the matrix 22.

Having described my invention in such terms as to enable those of skillin the art to make and practice it, and having described the presentlypreferred embodiments thereof, I claim:

1. A pliable two phase single wall heat transfer device for use incontacting and drawing heat away from a substance, said heat transferdevice comprising (a) a plurality of matrix units each including (i) anouter wall circumscribing and enclosing an inner space; (ii) a pluralityof spaced apart hollow fluid tight containers connected to a portion ofsaid wall, extending from said wall into said inner space and in fluidcommunication with each other; (iii) a first heat-exchange compositionin said inner space contacting each of said fluid tight containers andcomprising a liquid which undergoes a change of state from the liquidphase to the solid phase at a selected temperature of transformation;and, (iv) a second heat-exchange composition in each of said hollowcontainers comprising a liquid which undergoes a change of state fromthe liquid phase to the solid phase at a selected temperature oftransformation; (b) a fastening system for interconnecting said matrixunits along at least a pair of separate spaced apart lines of weakeningto enable said heat transfer device to be mounted over the shoulders andaround the neck of an individual.